Most experts have already pegged the South Carolina defensive end at the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL draft (in fact, most thought he would have gone first overall this year if he had been eligible), but one rival SEC coach aims his praise even higher.

Georgia head coach Mark Richt said Monday during a UGA Day fan event (via Macon.com) that Clowney is the “very best player who exists today, at any level.”

The best player at any level of college football, right? Nope, Richt thinks the All-American is the best, period.

“I would say Clowney is the best football player in the world, though,” the Bulldogs boss said after admitting that Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel may be more difficult to game plan for. “Seriously. I think he might be the very best player who exists today, at any level.”

Clowney’s Gamecocks embarrassed Georgia 35-7 last season, routing a Bulldogs team that was ranked No. 5 in the nation at the time. Richt won’t have to wait long for a rematch, as the two teams will square off in Athens on Sept. 7.